Overseas suppliers are now expected to ship as many as 10 million iPads this year, despite earlier predictions that that number would only be around 5 million.

As reported by Cnet, investment group Morgan Stanley informed clients that it now predicts between 8 million and 10 million iPads to be shipped in 2010, with 2.5 million of those expected in just the first 3 months.

That's a big jump considering most other analysts still put their estimates at under 5 million, and Morgan Stanley itself, just earlier this month, predicted a 5-million target as well.

However, sales of the iPad are raging. Apple is already unable to fulfill all the pre-order requests for a launch unit, and the limited leftover supply to retail stores is expected to vanish minutes after the device is released on Saturday.

So although the iPad met some harsh criticism when it was first announced, it looks like Apple has its hands on another winner here.

The Author

Mark RabyBased in New York City, Mark follows the consumer electronics industry like a hawk. A published book author, he has a particular affinity for 3D technology and video games, and as such will surely be in the market for a new pair of glasses soon. Mark can be contacted directly at mark@i4u.com.